Saturday, November 16, 2024

The woodpecker returned and the Halloween photos (still!)

 The Black Mountain Halloween Pet Parade...better late than never? I wasn't able to attend, it being raining and all. But some brave souls took photos and shared them on Facebook, so I'm passing them along for your enjoyment.

First are some shots by Barbara Holderman Taylor of the kids on Church Street.



Trick or treating was really pushed by various organizations to provide a cheerful time for the kids, many of whom had traumatic changes as a result of the storm Helene which flooded and caused power and water outages at the minimum. Parents who wanted to return to work then had families of kids without any schools being open for weeks.


Town Square also hosted a big Halloween party with many families and young trick-or-treaters!



I believe I already shared the "Chicken Sandwich" meme...yes, a live chicken between slices of fake bread!


And guess who visited me on Sunday last week! This must be the red bellied woodpecker who I saw a few weeks ago. Sorry for the iPhone quality of photos.




Then he took off, which captured a bit of white on wings and tail.

Oh I almost forgot...sharing with Saturday's Critters!





Today's quote:

Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice. I can choose to be grateful even when my emotions and feelings are still steeped in hurt and resentment.

HENRI NOUWEN

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24 comments:

  1. Iris FlaviaNovember 16, 2024 at 6:57 AM

    Nice they made the kids forget the catastrophe for a while and have fun...

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    Replies
    1. Barbara RogersNovember 16, 2024 at 10:14 AM

      We have a lot of smart caring people in our community!

      Delete
  2. jennyfrecklesNovember 16, 2024 at 7:00 AM

    Good that things are slowly returning to normal. What a wonderful sight to see the woodpecker - and well-photographed!

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    1. Barbara RogersNovember 16, 2024 at 10:16 AM

      Thanks....my first attempts were rather lame...to show the woodpecker. He (the woodpecker) was most accommodating this time. (Don't you love all the double letters in accommodating? - I'm being a bit silly.)

      Delete
  3. TomNovember 16, 2024 at 7:18 AM

    ...it's great to see the community coming together to have a good time.

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    1. Barbara RogersNovember 16, 2024 at 10:16 AM

      I'm glad the rain let up so they could have some fun!

      Delete
  4. Linda SueNovember 16, 2024 at 10:21 AM

    Fabulous photos - that large house in the background must be of some importance! In spite of Helene your town is charming and lovely.Our property taxes as well as insurance has sky rocketted due to Helene - There is some measure of resentment due to your area being politically red and we , up her, being blue. "united" states are less so than ever.

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    1. Barbara RogersNovember 16, 2024 at 11:37 AM

      Oh dear, of course insurance rates are going up. Sad to hear it. There are many old houses on that street, and some of them participate in the Halloween festivities. Our town and Asheville are decidedly blue...and surrounded by red areas politically. We were really lucky to get the Democratic governor, our former Attorney General...though the legislature in NC is pretty red, it's not a super majority this time. Yes, it would be nice to shake hands and go to work on governing!

      Delete
  5. AnvilcloudNovember 16, 2024 at 10:49 AM

    It must have boosted community spirit.

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  6. DavidNovember 16, 2024 at 11:56 AM

    Hi Barbara, Not too much into Halloween any more, partly because the grandchildren are all grown up and there are no kids trick or treating in our neighborhood of mostly...but not exclusively...retired folks. I do wish I had the patent on all those plastic skeletons. They are everywhere. In the background of a couple of those photos I noticed the very cute and apparently well maintained Black Mountain Railway Depot, a semi-passion of mine. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

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    1. Barbara RogersNovember 16, 2024 at 2:06 PM

      Our little depot is now run as a co-op arts and craft store. But much of it's interior hasn't been changed, with the wood slats behind the displays still.

      Delete
  7. MELODY JACOBNovember 16, 2024 at 12:42 PM

    It’s heartwarming to see how everyone rallied to bring some joy to the kids, especially after such a tough time with Hurricane Helene's aftermath. The trick-or-treating efforts and the Town Square party must have brought a much-needed sense of normalcy and happiness.

    How is Saturday going? Read my new post. Thank you. https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/11/holiday-glam-budget-christmas-outfit-ideas.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbara RogersNovember 16, 2024 at 2:06 PM

      Thanks for your comment, but I'm not interested in your post, sorry.

      Delete
    2. Barbara RogersNovember 16, 2024 at 2:07 PM

      I didn't mean that to sound unkind, but at 82 I don't have any need for new clothes, no matter how pretty.

      Delete
  8. BillNovember 16, 2024 at 12:44 PM

    A fun time for all.

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    1. Barbara RogersNovember 16, 2024 at 2:07 PM

      Yes, the families did have a good time. The dogs and cats not so much.

      Delete
  9. CloudiaNovember 16, 2024 at 12:49 PM

    So beautiful being with you and of course our hearts go out to you and everybody affected by the storm. You make the best of everything and thank you for that much-needed quote. Look for it on my blog very soon. Aloha dear friend

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    Replies
    1. Barbara RogersNovember 16, 2024 at 2:08 PM

      Glad to share words that feel right. We just heard that it's possible our water will be potable...that may happen next week! It was forecast to be mid-Dec.

      Delete
  10. eileeninmdNovember 17, 2024 at 4:14 AM

    Hello Barb,
    The parade looks fun, I love all the cute pets. A great event for the community, they need fun times. Great captures of your Red-bellied Woodpecker. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

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  11. Shiju SugunanNovember 17, 2024 at 5:48 AM

    Wow, those Halloween photos are adorable! It's great to see the community coming together to bring joy to the kids. And that woodpecker is quite the photobomber!

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  12. ~Lavender Dreamer~November 17, 2024 at 9:11 AM

    I like the sandwich and the cat in costume! How cute they all were!

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  13. LindaNovember 17, 2024 at 12:10 PM

    The pets look so cute in their outfits.

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  14. Jenn JilksNovember 17, 2024 at 3:19 PM

    Thanks for visiting! Don't worry, the termites have moved on. All gone.
    You have shown lots of fun. Good to have a pagan celebration!!!

    ReplyDelete

There is today, more than ever, the need for a compassionate regenerative world civilization.